'Coronation Street' star Kate Ford wants an extra week off work over the Christmas period because she doesn't get enough time with her son

The 38-year-old actress says her perfect festive period would involve having some additional time off from shooting scenes as her soap superbitch character Tracy Barlow.

She said: "Money doesn't buy the sort of happiness you get at this time of year.

"It's about spending time with family and friends, so for me it would be lovely to have an extra week off work."

While we are used to seeing evil Tracy getting up to no good, Kate insists her alter-ego wants a peaceful Christmas this year following the death of her on-screen mum Deirdre Barlow, who was played by the late Anne Kirkbride who tragically passed away in January aged 60.

She explained: "I think she's actually got to the stage where she just wants a bit of peace.

"Since her mum Deirdre passed away, all Tracy wants is a settled life with her daughter and to have a lovely family Christmas."

Kate has seven-year-old son Otis with her ex-husband, TV producer Jon Connerty, and the youngster's biggest festive wish was for it to be a white Christmas.

She said before the festive season: "He'd actually really like some snow.